UK Community Radio Network launches first Community Radio Week

The UK Community Radio Network is to launch Community Radio Week, a new nationwide celebration of community broadcasting.

Taking place from Monday 2nd February to Sunday 8th February, the initiative follows Cornwall Community Media Network’s Community Radio Day last year, which brought six local stations together for a county-wide simulcast.

Community Radio Week will feature a full programme of themed days, online sessions and shared activities, designed to bring stations, volunteers, managers and listeners together, while encouraging wider public support for the sector.

The week begins on Monday with a Social Media Shout-Out, encouraging stations to share local stories, achievements and volunteer highlights online.

Tuesday focuses on The Big Managers Meet-Up, with the UKCRN hosting what it hopes will be the largest virtual gathering of community radio station managers to date.

Wednesday’s theme, Upskilling the Community, includes a live stream led by members of the Cornwall Community Media Network, sharing insights from their Digital Skills Bootcamp and highlighting volunteer success stories.

Thursday shifts attention to technical support, with a live session offering stations the chance to ask questions and focus on maintenance and upgrades.

Friday will be dedicated to funding, with a series of online workshops featuring national, regional and local funders, alongside tools and advice to help stations develop sustainable income streams.

Saturday marks Community Radio Day, encouraging stations to open their doors, host outside broadcasts, collaborate with neighbouring services or organise creative on-air events to showcase their role in local life.

The week concludes on Sunday with a more informal focus on networking, reflection and socialising among volunteers and station teams.

Nathan Hunkin, Director of Digital and Communications at The CHAOS Group, said Community Radio Week provides a national platform to highlight the strength of local broadcasting, adding that last year’s Cornwall initiative demonstrated what can be achieved when stations work together.

For more information, updates, and how to get involved, visit: ukcrn.radio/crweek.